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[threeplusfire]

The House of Mirth is quite possibly Edith Wharton's best novel. It shows how a woman raised in a certain world had to behave, and how hard that could be, and how the rulse of society do not allow for individuals. Lily Bart is ultimately destroyed by the world, for both playing the game and refusing to play by the rules.

It's not the greatest movie. But there is something so profoundly right about Gillian Anderson's potrayal of the character, especially in the latter part of the film. Her utter determination in the end has moved me to tears, and though I knew it was coming all along, Lily's death was truly tragic.

Anthony LaPaglia plays Simon Rosedale, and he makes the character something so much more than I ever thought of before. It's fascinating.

Plus, the movie is full of hats.

Comments

[sykii.livejournal.com]

I adore that book. I read it while in Puerto Rico with my grandmother, and there's something about books read while traveling, when it's right, that is so right.
I haven't seen the film, though I really should, especially now that you say that about LaPaglia- I've never quite understood Rosedale, and it would be interesting to see an actor's take on him.

Re:

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I love to read while traveling. I will always think of staying up late at night in the dorm in Prague reading The Miracle Game and falling in love with Skvorecky.

Yes, LaPaglia's performance makes Rosedale so much mroe human to me. It's interesting. Especially the moment towards the end when he realizes what has happened to Lily.

[fauxfille.livejournal.com]

The movie version doesn't quite "cut" it as well as the book, but the sting of betrayal experienced by Lily Bart is felt. I love Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Miss Bart. She is wonderful, delicate and determined. Her fragility was difficult for me to watch, particularly at the end of the film. I didn't like Eric Stoltz in the Laurence Selden role. He seemed out of place or not as real as Anderson.

I'm back on the Edith Wharton bandwagon again! I love her writing.

Re:

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Yes, the pacing isn't the same as the novel. I haven't decided how I feel about Selden yet. But maybe it's because I have a soft spot for Eric Stoltz.

Yay for Edith Wharton books. If you haven't read it, Roman Fever and Other Stories is a great collection.

Re:

[fauxfille.livejournal.com]

Yes, you recommended Roman Fever and Other Stories to me. I thought of that title the last time I was in the used bookstore. Thanks again!